They’re used on cancer patients to reduce swelling and to build up the immune system. Elders make tea from the mushrooms, “but must not boil the water” because it kills much of the benefits. Chaga can also help build appetite for patients, said Plouffe.

Because the remedies are natural, they don’t seem to have side effects, said Plouffe. “Unless you take too much of them, then usually you get diarrhea.”

‘Doctors amazed’

“I’ve seen what the medicine can do. It is absolutely amazing,” said Plouffe, who recalled helping an individual with an infection on their hands. It was healed the next day, after applying spruce gum salve on them.

Elders and community members from Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., are back in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional remedies. (Submitted by Melinda Laboucan)

“The doctors were amazed,” said Plouffe. “It’s very, very powerful. And science is now starting to figure out why.”

Plouffe said doctors and nurses in the community are respectful of the medicine of the land, and are working together with Goba to treat patients.

Plouffe is currently documenting the remedies, stories and techniques. The group hopes to publish it for the public in the future.